Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Aging

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...

Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the...

Mitochondria

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...

Natural Selection and Mating Preferences

Natural Selection and Mating Preferences

The principle of natural selection posits that organisms better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. This principle is closely intertwined with mating preferences, a key aspect of sexual selection, which evolutionary psychologists believe is driven by instincts to propagate one's genes. Such instincts significantly influence mating behaviors and preferences between genders.
Females, due to their biological roles in conception, pregnancy, and nursing,...

Limits to Natural Selection

Limits to Natural Selection

Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, natural selection does not lead to perfectly adapted organisms. Several factors constrain natural selection.

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

The origin of the coding metaphor in neuroscience.

The Behavioral and brain sciences·2019

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 14, 2025

A Suppressor Screen for the Characterization of Genetic Links Regulating Chronological Lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A Suppressor Screen for the Characterization of Genetic Links Regulating Chronological Lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Published on: September 17, 2020

Ageing and the goal of evolution.

Justin Garson¹

¹Hunter College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, USA. jgarson@hunter.cuny.edu.

History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences

|March 11, 2021

Summary

The evolution of ageing literature uses a metaphor where only reproduction matters. This study argues for a new metaphor where post-reproductive life has evolved value in supporting younger generations.

Area of Science:

Evolutionary Biology
Gerontology

Background:

The traditional metaphor in ageing literature posits that evolution prioritizes species perpetuation and reproductive success.
This view renders post-reproductive individuals as evolutionarily dispensable.
This perspective potentially distorts the understanding of ageing and senescence.

Purpose of the Study:

To critically evaluate and propose discarding the prevailing metaphor in the evolution of ageing.
To introduce an alternative metaphor that re-frames the evolutionary significance of post-reproductive stages.
To explore the designed evolutionary roles of different life stages.

Main Methods:

Conceptual analysis and critique of existing evolutionary metaphors.
Development of an alternative evolutionary framework for ageing.

Keywords:

Ageing Biological function Evolution of ageing Goal-directedness Teleology

More Related Videos

Automated Analysis of C. elegans Swim Behavior Using CeleST Software

Automated Analysis of C. elegans Swim Behavior Using CeleST Software

Published on: December 7, 2016

Methods to Study Changes in Inherent Protein Aggregation with Age in Caenorhabditis elegans

Methods to Study Changes in Inherent Protein Aggregation with Age in Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: November 26, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025

A Suppressor Screen for the Characterization of Genetic Links Regulating Chronological Lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A Suppressor Screen for the Characterization of Genetic Links Regulating Chronological Lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Published on: September 17, 2020

Automated Analysis of C. elegans Swim Behavior Using CeleST Software

Automated Analysis of C. elegans Swim Behavior Using CeleST Software

Published on: December 7, 2016

Methods to Study Changes in Inherent Protein Aggregation with Age in Caenorhabditis elegans

Methods to Study Changes in Inherent Protein Aggregation with Age in Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: November 26, 2017

Comparative analysis of life stages and their evolutionary rationales.

Main Results:

The traditional metaphor inaccurately frames senescence and death as a verdict on the value of older individuals.
The lengthy post-reproductive period in some species is not merely cultural but a designed evolutionary feature.
Different life stages possess distinct evolutionary purposes and design features.

Conclusions:

The metaphor of evolution solely focused on reproduction is inadequate and misleading.
A new evolutionary perspective recognizes the designed role of post-reproductive individuals in supporting younger generations.
Understanding the evolutionary rationale of all life stages, including post-reproductive ones, is crucial for a complete picture of ageing.